A shopping centre in Melbourne has been plunged into lockdown as a brawl broke out between armed males.

Police responded to reports of up to 10 people fighting at Northland on Murray Road, Preston, on Sunday afternoon.

The shopping centre was evacuated and closed as police arrived about 2.30pm.

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Some of those involved in the brawl were armed with knives, resulting in multiple people being stabbed.

One male in his 20s sustained upper body injuries in the affray, and was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Two people were arrested following the “targeted” fight between opposing groups, police said.

Police arrested two males at the scene, who are currently being interviewed.

The shopping centre remains closed as the incident is investigated by police. It is believed the parties are known to each other.

As the incident unfolded, terrified shoppers took to social media to share information from the scene.

“We’re all currently locked in and the police are looking for them. Scary!” one shopper wrote on Facebook, while another described the incident as “horrific”.

Three people were treated at the scene for anxiety, Ambulance Victoria reported.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the incident in a statement issued on Sunday afternoon.

“In Victoria, community safety comes first,” the statement reads.

“What we have seen at Northland shopping centre this afternoon is appalling and I condemn it.

“I want to thank Victoria Police, our first responders and the shop owners, staff and the public who were all incredibly brave responding to this incident.”

Anyone who witnessed the altercation is urged to contact police.